San Francisco is one of the most foodie-friendly cities in the United States, with more Michelin starred restaurants per capita than New York or Chicago. In fact, San Francisco has been named the best city in the country to dine out at least 3 times over the past decade! As you might expect, this reputation means that there are plenty of amazing steakhouses in town to choose from if you’re looking to try out some good old fashioned American grilling, but EPIC Steak on the Embarcadero Waterfront District takes things to the next level!
Waterfront Location with Views of the Oakland Bay Bridge
Located along the Embarcadero in downtown San Francisco, EPIC Steak is a steakhouse where you can indulge in a tasty meal while enjoying views of Oakland Bay Bridge, and people watching from their outdoor dining section.
I was there for lunch so I did not have any alcoholic beverages to go with my meal, but they do have an extensive wine list which would complement your dinner or lunch. As the name suggests, steak is a mainstay of the menu, but being close to the ocean a sizable seafood menu is also available if you don’t feel like a heavy slab of meat; their crab benedict is both unique and super tasty!
In addition to a selection of signature dishes, you will also find fine dining staples such as oysters and lobster – there really is something special about eating seafood just meters from the shoreline (sorry vegans). Or if you don’t feel like going all-out on a big meal, or just want to grab something quick, why not have a pizza cooked in an authentic wood fired pizza oven?
The restaurant itself manages to combine a casual setting with both a rustic and modern design; crisp while table linen and old oversized pipework traverses the dining room with a nod the building’s history, it really is an apt metaphor for the restaurant itself – classic food with a contemporary twist. It’s a great place to come if you want to enjoy some drinks or food outside by the water, especially during sunset time when it’s quiet and peaceful out here.
Parke Ulrich – Partner and Executive Chef at EPIC Steak
Parke Ulrich is a partner and executive chef for EPIC Steak. Before starting a number of highly successful restaurants in Northern California, Ulrich gained an appreciation for the importance of quality ingredients in the French kitchen of the 5-star restaurant Le Bec Fin in Philadelphia. Foodies will be familiar with some of his previous involvements including Mersea Restaurant SF, Watebar SF, and Farallon Restaurant SF.
EPIC Steak and Seafood Menu
EPIC specializes in outdoor dining, with views of Oakland Bay Bridge and outdoor dining areas, soak in amazing views of the bridge from inside, especially during the evening when it’s lit up. While it might be a bit too cold for some to sit outdoors, they do have outside heaters, which are a necessity when temperatures drop, especially being so close to the shore.
EPIC’s menu is just right in size, they don’t try to include everything, the focus really is quality over quantity, with the brunch menu comfortably covering a single page including seafood, steaks, and pizzas. Brunch items include: Daily Pacific Oyster Selection— 21- ($40), Steakhouse Cheeseburger with secret sauce & french fries ($21), Caesar Salad ($16), The Best Dame Filet
(Filet mignon), 6 oz ($54) / 9 oz ($59).
The Dinner menu includes an amazing Seafood Platter –
12 oysters | 4 oz dungeness crab | 5 shrimp | tuna poke | ½ maine lobster ($140) & Lobster Newburg
(Maine lobster, brandy cream sauce, english peas & puff pastry ($38/$76).
A Cut above Your Average Steakhouse
I am often asked for restaurant recommendations in San Francisco, and when it comes to steakhouses, often there isn’t much which sets one apart from another, but this is not the case when it comes to EPIC. As soon as you walk into EPIC you’ll feel like you’re at a pretty fancy upscale steakhouse, but don’t let that intimidate you.
You can easily find affordable options here that don’t compromise on taste. When we arrived, we were seated almost immediately. We opted to sit outside since they have heaters which makes things much more comfortable during colder months.
They also have a covered patio seating area where you get the best of both worlds, the fresh air and ventilation if you are still a little concerned about being in public areas, but don’t want to face the full force of the elements, especially during the cooler months.
Our server was extremely friendly and very attentive to our needs throughout our meal. The menu offers something for everyone including vegetarian options (even though these aren’t highlighted on the menu – it is a steakhouse after all) which are not always easy to come by at steakhouses. They also offer several seasonal dishes so be sure to check out their website before heading over there if you want to see what specials they have running!
Overall Review & Experience at EPIC Steakhouse SF
Overall, in this review, I would highly recommend visiting EPIC when you’re looking for an upscale dining experience, in a great location, and at a reasonable price.
Although I didn’t dine in the private dining room and terrace (as it’s more of an events space) called the ‘Bay Room’ with a sit-down capacity for 60 people, I did have a quick look and I’m more than confident that it would be an excellent place to hold a special business or social event.
If you are looking for a restaurant or bar with a view just for quick drink, or to settle in for an epic three course meal, EPIC Steak is guaranteed to be a winning choice and everyone in your group will find something to be happy about; whether they be lovers of fresh seafood, steaks, drinks, outdoor dining, or just amazing views with fresh sea air in SF!
Service Options: Dine-in – Takeaway – Delivery
Location: 369 The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94105
Phone: 415-369-9955